EP4298019A1 - Appareil pour le conditionnement de l'air dans une cabine d'aéronef au sol et pour la désinfection des surfaces de la cabine - Google Patents

Appareil pour le conditionnement de l'air dans une cabine d'aéronef au sol et pour la désinfection des surfaces de la cabine

Info

Publication number
EP4298019A1
EP4298019A1 EP21707965.6A EP21707965A EP4298019A1 EP 4298019 A1 EP4298019 A1 EP 4298019A1 EP 21707965 A EP21707965 A EP 21707965A EP 4298019 A1 EP4298019 A1 EP 4298019A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air
pca
conditioned
aircraft
cabin
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21707965.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Maxime MAHIEU
Claudy Urbain
Laurent Decoux
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lebrun Nimy
Original Assignee
Lebrun Nimy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lebrun Nimy filed Critical Lebrun Nimy
Publication of EP4298019A1 publication Critical patent/EP4298019A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F1/00—Ground or aircraft-carrier-deck installations
    • B64F1/36—Other airport installations
    • B64F1/362—Installations for supplying conditioned air to parked aircraft
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/088—Radiation using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/14—Plasma, i.e. ionised gases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
    • A61L2/208—Hydrogen peroxide
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
    • A61L9/18—Radiation
    • A61L9/20—Ultraviolet radiation
    • A61L9/205—Ultraviolet radiation using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/16—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using physical phenomena
    • A61L9/22—Ionisation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/11—Apparatus for generating biocidal substances, e.g. vaporisers, UV lamps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/10—Apparatus features
    • A61L2202/16—Mobile applications, e.g. portable devices, trailers, devices mounted on vehicles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/25—Rooms in buildings, passenger compartments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2209/00—Aspects relating to disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L2209/20—Method-related aspects
    • A61L2209/21—Use of chemical compounds for treating air or the like
    • A61L2209/211—Use of hydrogen peroxide, liquid and vaporous

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a pre-conditioned air (PCA) device for conditioning the air in an interior of a cabin of an aircraft parked on the ground and, at the same time, for sanitizing and possibly disinfecting the air and surfaces in the interior of the cabin.
  • PCA-device of the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it offers an additional function of sanitizing the air and surfaces inside the cabins of aircraft without changing the routine in application for decades of pre-conditioning the air inside the cabins of aircraft.
  • the pre-conditioned air is treated before being injected into the cabin such as to carry reactive oxygen species (ROS) including dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) at concentrations compatible with the presence of humans in the cabin during the injection of the thus treated pre-conditioned air.
  • ROS reactive oxygen species
  • DHP dry hydrogen peroxide
  • State-of-the-art equipment for injecting the pre-conditioned air can be used in the present invention with a simple and inexpensive modification of the equipment.
  • auxiliary power unit APU
  • the APU is an auxiliary turbine which is noisy and very expensive to run as it consumes substantial amounts of kerosene with related CO2 emissions.
  • PCA pre-conditioned air
  • Pre-conditioned air systems provide an external supply of conditioned air to cool, ventilate and heat the cabins of parked aircraft.
  • electric power must also be supplied externally.
  • many PCA-devices are combined with an AC-electrical power supply typically at 400 Hz.
  • the APU would be running on average one hour for a narrow-body aircraft and over 1 .5 hours for a wide-body aircraft. Having both power and air at the parking location would cut 90% of the APU usage resulting in both less pollution and substantial cost savings.
  • the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets the levels of germs killing to 99.9% for sanitizing and to 99.999% for disinfecting. While this difference might seem minimal, it can make a substantial difference in reducing the spread of an infection.
  • the term “sterilizing” refers to destroying or eliminating all forms of microbial life (i.e. , 100% of germs).
  • the term “cleaning” refers to removing dirt and other impurities from a surface. Each of sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing does kill germs but does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces.
  • EP2772272 describes an autonomous trolley configured for moving along an aisle of an aircraft, with unfolded articulated arms extending over the seats on either side of the aisle. Each arm is equipped with sources of UV-C light oriented towards the seats. Only the seats are treated, not e.g., the overhead stowage bins., and only the seats surfaces exposed to the UV-C light are effectively sanitized. If a magazine lies on a seat, sanitization will be incomplete. The level of sanitization strongly depends on the distance of the surface to be treated from the source of UV-C light. Furthermore, exposure to UV-C light is harmful to human eyesight, Finally, when running, the trolley is on the way of the cleaning teams, disrupting their cleaning routines.
  • H2O2 hydrogen peroxide
  • WO2016176486 describes the use of dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) for preserving fruits and vegetables enclosed in an enclosed environment such as a restaurant, barn, or the like.
  • DHP dry hydrogen peroxide
  • US20180192619 describes the use of DHP forsanitizing poultry eggs, chicks, and birds in hatcheries and poultry farms.
  • US7354551 describes a system for decontaminating a room such as a hotel room including a vapour generator which supplies a decontaminant vapour, such as hydrogen peroxide vapour to the room.
  • the present invention proposes a solution to the problem of reaching the ever-higher sanitizing and disinfecting standards imposed to airlines, without increasing the short time an aircraft remains parked on the ground within a cycle of disembarking and embarking of passengers, and without disrupting neither the ground operations nor the routine of the cleaning teams during the even shorter time the aircraft is empty of passengers.
  • the passengers and cleaning teams are not even aware that the air and surfaces of the aircraft’s cabin are being sanitized as they are cleaning the cabin.
  • the present invention concerns a pre-conditioned air (PCA-) device for conditioning air in an interior of a cabin of a parked aircraft and for ventilating and sanitizing an air and surfaces in the interior of the cabin, the PCA-device comprising,
  • an air pre-conditioning (PCA-) unit comprising, o a PCA-inlet configured for admitting ambient air from a surrounding environment, the ambient air being at an ambient temperature (Ta), at an ambient relative humidity (RHa), and an ambient pressure (P), o an air filtration section located downstream of the PCA-inlet, o an air conditioning section located downstream of the PCA-inlet, o a PCA-outlet located downstream of both air filtration and air conditioning sections, and configured for dispensing a pre-conditioned air stream of pre-conditioned air at a preconditioned temperature (Tc 1 Ta) different from the ambient temperature (Ta), at a pre-conditioned relative humidity (RHc > 0) having a positive value, and at a pre-conditioned pressure (Pc > Pa) greater than the ambient pressure (Pa),
  • PCA- pre-conditioning
  • an air distribution ducting comprising a flexible portion, the air distribution ducting extending from a proximal end in fluid communication with the PCA-outlet, to a distal end provided with a coupling head (4) configured for being fluidly coupled to an internal air circulation duct of an aircraft,
  • PCA-device defines a continuous air pathway extending from the PCA-inlet to the coupling head
  • the PCA-device comprises a photo catalytic oxidation unit located downstream of the PCA-inlet, preferably at or downstream of the PCA-outlet and intersecting the continuous air pathway, the photo catalytic oxidation unit being configured for producing a peroxided air) by formation of dry hydrogen peroxide at a concentration below 1 ppm in the pre-conditioned air dispensed out of the PCA-outlet, wherein the photo catalytic oxidation unit comprises,
  • UV- ultraviolet
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit preferably intersects the pre-conditioned air stream of preconditioned air) and is preferably located at or directly adjacent to the PCA-outlet.
  • the catalyst is coated on a surface of an air-permeable structure intersecting the continuous air pathway.
  • the air-permeable structure can be formed by a mesh or a grid, both comprising openings, or a series of hollow tubes assembled in a staggered, honeycomb structure defining openings. At least a selection of the openings of the mesh, grid, or hollow tubes is oriented substantially parallel to the continuous air pathway.
  • the catalyst can be a metal oxide, preferably titanium dioxide or tungsten dioxide, or a mixture of metal oxides including titanium dioxide.
  • the UV-light can have a wavelength comprised between 200 and 400 nm, preferably the UV-light is UV-A light of wavelength comprised between 320 and 400 nm.
  • the dry hydrogen peroxide concentration in the peroxided air (5p) thus produced can be not more than 0.06 ppm, preferably not more than 0.04 ppm, and is at least 0.01 ppm, preferably at least 0.02 ppm.
  • the peroxided air (5p) further comprises reactive oxygen species (ROS) including one or more of O 2 ⁇ and ⁇ H.
  • ROS reactive oxygen species
  • the PCA-unit can either be,
  • the PCA-unit can be a combined system configured for also supplying alternative current at a frequency of preferably 400 Hz.
  • the present invention also concerns a method for sanitizing an air and surfaces of an interior of a cabin of a parked aircraft (12) and for conditioning the air in the interior of the cabin, the method comprising,
  • the method comprises the following steps,
  • Figure 1(a) shows a parked aircraft coupled to a fixed PCA device through an air distribution ducting partly fixed to a passenger boarding bridge.
  • Figure 1(b) shows a parked aircraft coupled to a fixed PCA device.
  • Figure 1(c) shows a parked aircraft coupled to a mobile PCA device.
  • FIGS 2(a) & 2(b) illustrate schematically the photo-catalytic formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with two different set-ups.
  • ROS reactive oxygen species
  • Figures 3(a) to 3(c) show three embodiments of photo catalytic oxidation units according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4(a) shows an example of photo catalytic oxidation unit of the type illustrated in Figure 3(a),
  • Figures 4(b) to 4(e) show different embodiments of air-permeable structures suitable for supporting a coating of catalyst.
  • Figures 4(f) & 4(g) show two examples of air-permeable structures coated with a catalyst.
  • Figure 5(a) shows an example of PCA-device of the prior art.
  • FIGS 5(b) to 5(d) show different embodiments of PCA-devices according to the present invention.
  • the present invention concerns a pre-conditioned air (PCA-) device for conditioning air in an interior of a cabin of a parked aircraft (12) and for sanitizing an air and surfaces in the interior of the cabin.
  • the PCA-device comprises an air pre-conditioning (PCA-) unit (1) and an air distribution ducting (3).
  • the air pre-conditioning (PCA-) unit (1) comprises,
  • a PCA-inlet (1 i) configured for admitting ambient air (5a) from a surrounding environment, the ambient air being at an ambient temperature (Ta), at an ambient relative humidity (RHa), and an ambient pressure (P), all depending on the instant meteorological conditions,
  • the air distribution ducting (3) comprises a flexible portion (3f) and may or may not comprise rigid portions (3r), depending on whether the PCA-unit is mobile or fixed.
  • the air distribution ducting extends from a proximal end in fluid communication with the PCA-outlet (1 o), to a distal end provided with a coupling head (4) configured for being fluidly coupled to an internal air circulation duct of an aircraft.
  • the PCA-device defines a continuous air pathway extending from the PCA-inlet (1i) to the coupling head (4).
  • the PCA-device comprises a photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) located anywhere downstream of the PCA-inlet (1 i), preferably at or downstream of the PCA-outlet (1o).
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) is positioned such as to intersect the continuous air pathway.
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit is configured for producing a peroxided air (5p) by formation of dry hydrogen peroxide at a concentration below 1 ppm in the pre-conditioned air (5c) dispensed out of the PCA-outlet.
  • Dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) of formula H2O2 is a gas. It is not a vapour from aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions. DHP behaves like oxygen and nitrogen, diffusing through the air. At concentrations below 1 ppm, DHP is effective for extremely high microbial reduction while being very safe to humans.
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) comprises,
  • UV- light • a source of ultraviolet (UV-) light (2uv) configured for irradiating a UV-volume with UV-light
  • the catalyst is preferably coated on a substrate.
  • the substrate can be air-permeable or not.
  • ROS Reactive oxygen species
  • ROS can be produced by photocatalysis, which is a photoreaction accelerated by the presence of a catalyst (2c).
  • the catalyst (2c) In presence of oxygen and water present in the air, the catalyst (2c) creates electron-hole pairs, which generate free radicals (e.g. hydroxyl radicals: ⁇ H and superoxides O 2 ⁇ ) able to undergo secondary reactions.
  • the catalysts are generally transition metal oxides and semiconductors, as they possess a band gap where no energy level is available to promote recombination of an electron and hole produced by photoactivation in the solid.
  • a photon with energy equal to or greater than the materials band gap is absorbed by the semiconductor, an electron is excited from the valence band to the conduction band, generating a positive hole in the valence band: MO + hv ® MO (h + + e-), wherein MO is a metal oxide, h + and e- are a hole and an electron, and hv is optical energy.
  • Such a photogenerated electron-hole pair is termed an exciton.
  • the excited electrons react to produce reduced products, and upon exposure to reductants, the generated holes react to produce oxidized products at the surface of catalyst (2c) according to the following schemes.
  • the photo-catalytic unit (2) comprises a source of UV-light (2uv) and a catalyst (2c) positioned such as to be irradiated by UV-light and as to intersect the continuous air pathway followed by the air.
  • Figures 5(b) to 5(d) show different embodiments for positioning the photo-catalytic unit (2) within the PAC-device.
  • the photo-catalytic unit (2) intersects the pre-conditioned air stream of pre-conditioned air (5c) and is preferably located partly or entirely at the PCA-outlet (1o). It can also be positioned directly adjacent to the PCA-outlet (10), either upstream or downstream thereof.
  • the photo-catalytic unit (2) can be located within the PCA-unit (1), between the PCA-inlet (1 i) and the PCA-outlet (10). Finally, the photo-catalytic unit (2) can be positioned in the air distribution ducting (3), preferably at or near the coupling head (4). Since the photo-catalytic unit (2) requires power to activate the source of UV-light, this embodiment is best suited with combo-types of PCA-devices combining PCA- and power-supplies to the aircraft, such that the photo-catalytic unit (2) can be powered at or close to the distal end of the air distribution ducting (3).
  • This solution has the drawbacks of a trickier power supply and heavier coupling head, more difficult to handle by an operator. It has the advantage that the ROS are produced directly at an inlet of the internal air circulation duct of the aircraft, such that short lived ROS’s can reach the interior of the cabin.
  • the source of UV-light preferably emits UV-light having a wavelength comprised between 200 and 400 nm.
  • the UV-light is UV-A light of wavelength comprised between 320 and 400 nm.
  • UV-B or UV-C lights can also be used without danger, since the photo-catalytic unit (2) is enclosed within the PCA-device and people are never exposed to the UV-light.
  • the source of UV-light (2uv) can be a UV-LED (light emitting diode), or a UV-laser, or a UV-fluorescent lamp tube.
  • the catalyst (2c) is preferably coated on a support.
  • Figures 2(b) and 3(c) illustrate examples of a catalyst (2c) coated on a surface of a wall.
  • Figure 3(c) illustrates an embodiment wherein the catalyst (2c) is coated on a restriction formed between the PCA-outlet (1o) and the air distribution ducting (3).
  • UV-lamps (2uv) are oriented towards the coated tapering walls against which the pre-conditioned air (5c) flow is deviated.
  • Baffles coated with a catalyst (2c) can also be positioned across the continuous air pathway (not shown). Care must be taken to not create excessive pressure drops with too many obstacles intersecting the continuous air pathway.
  • the surface on which the catalyst is coated belongs to an air permeable structure (2p) intersecting the continuous air pathway.
  • the air-permeable structure (2p) can be formed by a grid comprising openings of any geometry.
  • the air-permeable structure (2p) can be a mesh, as shown in Figures 3(b) and 4(e). Alternatively, it can be formed by a series of hollow tubes assembled or stacked in a staggered, honeycomb-like structure defining openings as shown in Figure 4(d).
  • the openings of the air-permeable structure (2p) should be oriented such as to optimize a contact of the airflow with the catalyst (2c) coating, whilst reducing pressure drop in the air flow. For this reason, it is preferred that at least a selection of the openings of the mesh, grid, or hollow tubes is oriented substantially parallel to the continuous air pathway.
  • Figures 4(f)&4(g) show grid and mesh support structures (2s) each coated with a layer of catalyst (2c). Any coating technique can be used to apply a coating layer of catalyst (2c) onto the support structure, such as and not limited to dip coating, sputtering, chemical or physical vapour deposition (CVD, PVD), brushing, spraying, and the like.
  • CVD chemical or physical vapour deposition
  • PVD physical vapour deposition
  • the air-permeable structure (2p) can form a hollow tubular structure enclosing an elongated source of UV-light (2uv), as illustrated in Figures 3(a) and 4(a).
  • the tubular air-permeable structure can be fixed to a wall of a duct, extending transverse, preferably normal to the continuous air pathway, as shown in Figure 3(a).
  • the air-permeable structure (2p) can be substantially planar, extending over part or the whole cross-section of a duct, with one or more UV-lights irradiating one or both surfaces thereof, as shown in Figure 3(b).
  • the catalyst (2c) is preferably a semiconductor.
  • the catalyst (2c) can be a metal oxide (MO) selected among one or more of the following semiconductors: T1O2, WO2, Sn0 2 , SrTi02, ZnO, WO3, Fe203, CU2O, Ce02, Zr02, and the like.
  • Other semiconductors, such as ZnS, CdS, M0S2, or CdSe can be used as catalyst (2c).
  • T1O2 titanium dioxide ortitania
  • T1O2 titanium dioxide ortitania
  • T1O2 can be doped to vary their band gaps and spectral regions and enhance their performance.
  • T1O2 can be doped with one or more of Pt, Au, Ag, Pd, Ru, Rh, In, Li, Na, Mg, Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, V, Cu, Zn, Co, and the like.
  • Ambient air (5a) is drawn through the PCA-inlet (1 i) into the PCA-unit (1).
  • the ambient air is at ambient temperature (Ta), ambient pressure (Pa), and ambient relative humidity (RHa).
  • Ta ambient temperature
  • Pa ambient pressure
  • RHa ambient relative humidity
  • the values of Ta, Pa, and RHa depend on the instant meteorological conditions of the location of the PCA-device (day or night, winter or summer, etc.).
  • the ambient air is then filtered through a filtering section (1f) and pre-conditioned in an air-conditioning section (1ac) to extract a pre-conditioned air (5c) at a preconditioned temperature (Tc 1 Ta) different from the ambient temperature (Ta), at a pre-conditioned pressure (Pc > Pa) greater than the ambient pressure (Pa), and at a pre-conditioned relative humidity (RHc > 0) having a positive value.
  • the pre-conditioned temperature (Tc) can be higher than Ta to heat the aircraft cabin, or lower than Ta to cool it.
  • the pre-conditioned pressure (Pc) must be higher than ambient pressure (Pa) to drive the flow of pre-conditioned air (5c) through the air distribution ducting (3) and into the internal air circulation system of the aircraft
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) can be located upstream or downstream of the air conditioning section (1ac). As described supra, the photocatalytic formation of ROS relies on the presence of moisture in the air stream being treated. Depending on the location of the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2), the relative humidity (RHa, RHc) of ambient air (5a) or of the pre-conditioned air (5c) must be non-zero.
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) is preferably positioned downstream of the air conditioning section (1ac) because in case the ambient air is too dry, the air conditioning section can be equipped with a humidifier to raise the moisture content in the air to optimal levels before it reaches the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2).
  • the ambient air (5a) or the pre-conditioned air (5c) flows through the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) where under the combined action of the UV-light and the catalyst undergoes photo catalytic reactions with formation of ROS including dry H2O2 (DHP), and other reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals ( ⁇ H) and superoxides (’0 2 ).
  • DHP dry H2O2
  • ⁇ H hydroxyl radicals
  • ⁇ H hydroxyl radicals
  • superoxides 0 2
  • DHP concentrations in the air below 1 ppm are considered as safe for humans.
  • the peroxided air (5p) preferably has a dry hydrogen peroxide concentration of not more than 0.06 ppm, preferably not more than 0.04 ppm, and is at least 0.01 ppm, preferably at least 0.02 ppm. Excellent sanitizing results were observed in aircraft cabins at such ranges of DHP contents, with no danger for any material nor any human being present in the cabin during the injection of peroxided air (5p) into the cabin.
  • sanitization of the cabin can be started before the inbound passengers have left the aircraft, proceed during the cleaning operation by the cleaning team, and end after the outbound passengers have boarded the aircraft, thus maximizing the time available for ventilating and sanitizing the aircraft cabin.
  • the PCA-device of the present invention can be obtained from a state-of-the-art PCA-device as illustrated in Figure 5(a), with a simple, yet essential modification, by adding a photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) along the continuous air pathway.
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) is positioned downstream of the PCA-inlet (1 i), either upstream or downstream of the air conditioning section (1 ac).
  • the photo catalytic oxidation unit (2) can be located within the PCA-unit (1), or in the air distribution ducting (3), or at the interface between the PCA-unit (1) and the air distribution ducting (3).
  • upstream “ and “downstream” used in this document are defined with respect to the flow direction of the air from the PCA inlet (1 i) to the coupling head (4).
  • the PCA-device is preferably a combo device, combining pre-conditioned air and electric power supplies as is well known in the art.
  • the electric power is preferably supplied as alternative current at a frequency of preferably 400 Hz.
  • the PCA-unit can be a fixed system coupled to a passenger-boarding bridge (12).
  • the PCA-unit can be a fixed system but independent of a passenger-boarding bridge (12), as shown in Figure 1 (b).
  • the PCA-unit can be a mobile system which can be brought to an aircraft parked at a position remote from a terminal.
  • the present invention also concerns a method for ventilating and sanitizing an air and surfaces of an interior of a cabin of a parked aircraft (12) and for conditioning the air in the interior of the cabin.
  • the method comprises the following steps.
  • the method differs from prior art methods for conditioning the air in an aircraft cabin in that it comprises the following steps,
  • Optimal ventilation of the cabin can be ensured by 100%-fresh outside air injection, with no or substantially no recirculation of any air in the cabin, contrary to the air conditioning controlled by the APU. This is also by contrast with air conditioning in buildings which generally recirculate a substantial portion of air.
  • the present invention offers a simple, inexpensive, fast, and safe method for reducing considerably the risks of contamination due to contacts with contaminated surfaces in the interior of an aircraft.
  • a recognized sanitization possibly disinfection of the surfaces and air inside an aircraft cabin is a necessary (not sufficient) condition for restoring the confidence of the public towards flying.
  • the PAC-device of the present invention offers a solution to this challenge.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'air pré-conditionné (PCA) pour conditionner l'air dans une partie intérieure d'une cabine d'un aéronef stationné (12) et pour désinfecter un air et des surfaces dans la partie intérieure de la cabine, le dispositif de PCA comprenant : une unité de pré-conditionnement d'air (PCA) (1) pour former un flux d'air pré-conditionné (5c) ; une unité d'oxydation photocatalytique (2) pour former des dérivés réactifs de l'oxygène (DRO) dans le flux d'air pré-conditionné comprenant du peroxyde d'hydrogène sec à une concentration inférieure à 1 ppm, formant ainsi un flux d'air peroxydé (5p) ; et une canalisation de distribution d'air (3) pour injecter l'air peroxydé (5p) dans une canalisation de circulation d'air interne d'un aéronef, l'unité d'oxydation photocatalytique (2) comprenant : une source de lumière ultraviolette (UV) (2uv) configurée pour irradier un volume d'UV avec de la lumière UV ; et un catalyseur (2c) situé à l'intérieur du volume d'UV et croisant le flux d'air pré-conditionné.
EP21707965.6A 2021-02-23 2021-02-23 Appareil pour le conditionnement de l'air dans une cabine d'aéronef au sol et pour la désinfection des surfaces de la cabine Pending EP4298019A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/EP2021/054450 WO2022179679A1 (fr) 2021-02-23 2021-02-23 Appareil pour le conditionnement de l'air dans une cabine d'aéronef au sol et pour la désinfection des surfaces de la cabine

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Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7354551B2 (en) 2004-07-08 2008-04-08 Steris Inc Room decontamination with hydrogen peroxide vapor
DE102005003923A1 (de) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Schröder, Werner Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Entkeimen von Raumluft
CA2534700A1 (fr) * 2006-01-31 2007-07-31 Peter Klaptchuk Nettoyage antiseptique de cabines d'avions ou d'habitacles de vehicules
EP2051746A1 (fr) * 2006-07-31 2009-04-29 Microgenix Australasia Pty Ltd Systèmes et procédés de gestion de la qualité d'air
KR101277502B1 (ko) * 2013-01-02 2013-06-21 서진공조 주식회사 항공기 냉난방 공급장치용 송풍공기 냉각장치
US8907304B2 (en) 2013-02-27 2014-12-09 Arthur Kreitenberg Ultraviolet autonomous trolley for sanitizing aircraft
BR112017023019B1 (pt) 2015-04-29 2022-02-01 Synexis Llc Método para inibir uma resposta de etileno em um produto agrícola
US20180192619A1 (en) 2017-01-09 2018-07-12 Synexis Llc Application of Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP) Gas to Methods of Poultry Production

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